TRACE ELEMENTS & DIET
HOW DO WE LOSE TRACE ELEMENTS AND WHY WE CAN'T OBTAIN OUR TRACE ELEMENT REQUIREMENT FROM DIET ALONE?
In an ideal world we would be obtaining our trace element and mineral requirements from a balanced and healthy diet. Industrialisation, and poor farming practices has meant access to nutrient-rich food and clean, fresh water (with a balanced mineral content) is becoming harder to obtain.
In addition, there are many external factors in our modern world that can leach valuable trace elements from the cells of the body faster than we can replace them from diet alone:
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Pollution:
Heavy metals and pesticides found in our food, water and the air
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Medicines:
Streptomycin (antibiotic) removes Magnesium and Manganese
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Supplements:
Incorrect use of herbal medicines or food supplements
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Stress:
When the body is under any form of stress the requirement for trace elements increases.
EXAMPLES OF EVERYDAY STRESSORS THAT CAN DEPLETE TRACE ELEMENTS
· Psychological disorders
· Noise pollution
· Negative emotions
· Inadequate sleep
· Change of seasons
· Too little or too much
exercise
· Inadequate nutrition
